Ile d'Orleans

After I returned from Israel and Istanbul (a bit tired, but not altogether ready to give up travel), my family and I took a mini-vacation up to Canada--first to Quebec City and then down to Montreal. On the trip, one of my favorite days was spent on Ile d'Orleans--a charming island just 15 km outside Quebec City.

Lining the single main road, which circles the whole island, are little farm stands selling fresh berries, cafe-restos featuring local ingredients, and bunches of flowers springing up from cottage gardens. The houses are so reminiscent of a fairy tale that their magic and charm make you want to give up your city sins, move to the island, and live happily ever after. The pull is so strong that even after more than an hour of driving around my eyes were still drawn out the window and fixed upon every little farm stand, grazing cow, and country cottage.

Do yourself a favor and buy some sweet strawberries to savor as you drive through this little pastoral gem. If you wish to stop for a meal, just keep your eyes open for the many country inns and restaurants that dot the main road. We dined at Cafe Bistro de la Plage overlooking the St Laurence river.

While the appetizers and main dishes were good, my dessert--exploding caramel cake--was one of the most delicious treats in all my travels. Compact and bursting with flavor, this moist chocolate cake lived up to the exploding caramel title.